JKUAT Enlivens Mirimaini Primary Pupils’ Dreams

Teacher Lucy Kinuthia (right) receives part of the books donation from Prof Ngumi.

Wednesday, April 8, was not an ordinary day for the pupils and teachers of Mirimaini Primary School, in the outskirts of Juja town when Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) staff and students visited the school.

The afternoon visit, organized under the auspices of the 20 Years Celebrations Secretariat as part of activities running upto June this year to commemorate JKUAT’s 20 years anniversary, saw the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration & Chairperson of the 20 Years Anniversary Celebrations Committee Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, put a smile on the faces of over four-hundred pupils with generous donations of text books, exercise books, pens, rulers and various types of tree-seedlings.

The varsity team which included the Acting Registrar (Administration) Dr. Jane Ngethe; University Librarian in charge of Academic Programs Dr. George Gatero, students and staff, was warmly received by Mirimaini Primary School Head teacher Ms. Lucy Muthoni Kinuthia who recollected the academic journey that the school has taken over the years and the efforts put in place to improve learning.

It is all joy as the pupils display some of the goodies they received

The Head teacher who is also a parent at JKUAT said, the visit could not have come at the right time. “We feel part of JKUAT, and our pupils are very excited and happy to see you here today. Your visit will encourage and motivate our boys and girls to work hard in their studies to join JKUAT,” she observed.

Teacher Kinuthia made a passionate appeal to JKUAT students who were present through their JKUSO student leaders; Victor Marende Nzoka (Secretary General) and Elzie Chebet (Vice Chairperson) to help the boys and girls at the school to achieve their academic dreams through a mentorship program.

In her address to the pupils and teachers, Prof. Ngumi explained that JKUAT was motivated to visit the school at a time the University is celebrating two decades since its establishment as a way of reciprocating the unique relationship the university community has enjoyed with her neighbouring community.

JKUAT students join the pupils during a musical performance

“We are very happy to be here today to join staff and students of Mirimaini Primary School as we celebrate our 20 years anniversary, to share and cultivate the special relationship we have had so far,” said Prof. Ngumi.

“We have come with staff and students too, to speak to the boys and girls, to assure you that you are very special and dear to us and should work hard in your studies and join JKUAT,” Prof. Ngumi concluded.

Vivian Wanjiru and Mary Wahu, both standard four pupils, led their peers in showcasing their talents by wowing the visiting party with captivating entertainment pieces such as skits and songs.

Prof. Ngumi and Ms. Kinuthia presided over a tree-planting exercise that saw paw paws, mangoes, and citrus, among other tree seedlings planted at the school garden.